Fresnel Lens Production 

Manufacturing

Fresnel lens replicas are manufactured by importing CAD drawings into computer driven lathes and milling machines.
The finished prisms are assembled into the polished brass frame work.  Wood shims are used to aim the prisms to achieve the proper light pattern.  A glazing compound is used for the final mounting of the prisms in the frame work.


Installation

South Manitou Lighthouse - Michigan

South Manitou Lighthouse

This 3rd order fixed lens was installed September 2008.  The lens has four optical panels and a spherical reflector/door to replicate the original lens that was once exihibited in the tower over 100 years ago. 

 

Port Washington Lighthouse - Wisconsin

Port Washington Lighthouse

This 4th order fixed lens was installed in the Port Washington tower in October 2007

 

Kemah Water Tower / Lighthouse - Texas

Kemah Water Tower / Lighthouse

The city of Kemah, Texas has reinvented the lighthouse.  Kemah is located southeast of Houston on Galveston Bay .  The city had a unique idea of replacing an existing water tower with a new tower that also doubles as a functioning lighthouse.

 

The finishing touch was to install a Fresnel lens in the lantern room to make the tower authentic, and function as a private aids to navigation.  Of course original Fresnel lenses are hard to come by so the city ordered a replica.  The size of the lantern room and desired range led them to select a 3rd order lens.

 

The  lens is a rotating style with 8 flash panels.  Two access doors were provided to maintain the 1000 watt lamp.  The lens rotates 1 revolution per minute, creating a flash every 7.5 seconds.

 

The town is very excited about their new lighthouse and lens, and would be willing to share their architectural plans with other cities that would like to do the same.



Anclote Key Lighthouse - Florida

Anclote Key Lighthouse

The U.S. Coast Guard assisted in the installation of the this 4th order replica Fresnel lens in the Anclote Key Lighthouse, near Clearwater Beach, FL.  This lens was manufactured with 4 flash panels and two blank brass panels to achieve the same characteristic as the original Fresnel lens that was once in the Lighthouse in the 1800's.

 

Pottawatomie Lighthouse - Rock Island, Wisconsin

Pottawatomie Lighthouse

This 4th order fixed lens replica was installed in the Pottawatomie Lighthouse located on Rock Island, Wisconsin.
A cast iron pedestal was also manufactured.  The lens consists of three optical panels covering 270 degrees.
A silvered reflector/door was mounted in the opening to access the lamp.

 

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